Even just doing a few of these will increase your chances for success in getting the job you want!

1. Show up early, at least 10 minutes. Potential employers (and their secretaries, also known as "gate keepers" appreciate that--even if they're too busy to see you until the exact time they set with you.

2. Be dressed appropriately (and even over dress). Once, I interviewed for a position as a fitness consultant. I dressed in a nice jacket and skirt and heels. Although the young interviewer (who was in his early 20s) told me I didn't have to "dress up," the much more mature in age and experience supervisor respected my effort to show honor to them by dressing so well.  It's much better to "overdress" than show up in casual clothes!

3. Research the company so that you know as much as possible about the organization, and, if possible, about the position you are interviewing for. Now it is very easy to do both, with all of the information available on the internet. This will help you to be able to ask appropriate questions when the interviewer(s) ask you, "Did you have any questions?"

4. In the United States of America and many other places it is appropriate for males and females in business to stick out their hand to shake the hand of those with whom they are interviewing, both before the interview and after. It is also appropriate--and expected--for you to look the interviewer(s) directly in the eye while you smile, very briefly. 

5. Don't interrupt the interviewer. They know you may be a little nervous, but they have an agenda--almost always a list of questions they want to ask you. Usually, they want to go in order, although you may find that you answer more than one at once, which is almost always a good thing. Supervisors and other managers want to save time as much as possible.

6. If they give you a tour of the facility and start saying, "When you start..." or "You will be working with (name of one of their employees)..." or something that is using your name, it often means they have alraedy made an emotional or psychological decision and decided to hire you.  Don't assume anything, however, until you have the paperwork to sign. But if they use your name, it is a very good sign.

7. At the end of the interview, if you have decided this job is truly one you want, then tell them you would be honored to work with them, and ask them when you can expect to know their decision. This is a legitimate question and will not offend them. 

8. Always send a thank you note, using their properly spelled name and title. (if you don't remember it, call their office and explain to the secretary that you want to send a thank you and that you need the proper title and spelling. They will almost always be happy to get it for you. However, you can research that information on the company website first and save a call.) It is best to send the note the next day or at least the same week. 

Happy job hunting! 

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.